Piggy back PC card

ABSTRACT

An expansion device is provided having two expansion cards interconnected. While the first expansion card of the expansion device conforms to the footprint requirements of the PCMCIA, the second expansion card ranges in size. The expansion device integrates into the overall configuration that conforms with PCMCIA card architecture. A connector releasably attaches the two expansion cards together. Once attached, the expansion card acts as a slave card to the master PC card. Alternatively, the first expansion card can be used by itself as an expansion device. Guide pins are provided for guiding the attachment of the expansion cards. The guide pins, in addition, provide an electrical ground from the PC card to the expansion card. An adaptor is also provided with the expansion device for providing an electronic interface between a host computer and a transmission media line.

This application is a division of Ser. No. 08/864,493 filed May 28, 1997now U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,218.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to computers. More particularly,it pertains to an expansion device for a portable computer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of computers becomes more prevalent every day. In particular,the use of portable computers has increased as people become morereliant on using a computer everywhere they travel. Furthermore, thesize of computer devices has decreased while simultaneously thecapabilities per unit volume has increased. As a result, computermanufacturers face many design challenges in creating a smaller, morepowerful computer.

The design challenges for portable computers require that the computerbe light weight, by today's standards, and yet remain as powerful assome desktop computers. One approach to expanding the capability of acomputer, while maintaining or reducing the weight of the device, is toincorporate removable devices into the system which expand the number offunctions and the computing capacity of the computer.

Each computer manufacturer often has its own unique approach to theircomputer product. As a result, there is little interchangeabilitybetween many computer accessories and devices. Although they havegenerally not significantly increased in price over the past severalyears, computers are nonetheless a major purchase for most consumers.Thus, without standardization, consumers must choose which computermanufacturer from whom they wish to buy their computer and all of theaccessories.

As consumers buy and use computers for wider and more diverseapplications, a computer user must be able to customize the capabilitiesof their computer in accordance with their individual needs.Furthermore, computer users' needs may change over the lifetime of thecomputer. However, each computer manufacturer may not provide thediversity in devices necessary for customizing a computer for aparticular user. Therefore, it would be advantageous if a computer usercould customize their computer after its purchase using a wide varietyof accessories and devices from multiple sources of computermanufacturers.

One device computer users have employed to customize their computers isa PC (Personal Computer) card. The PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory CardInternational Association) standard was created in order to provide astandardized, more stream lined approach to the interchangability of PCcards. The standard establishes a credit-card-size package which can beplugged into a 68-pin host adapter socket built into the computer. Eachpackage maintains the same slot width and depth, but the thickness ofeach card can differ. The PCMCIA developed three different slotthicknesses which include Type I, Type II, and Type III. The threecurrent different slot thicknesses are: Type I=3.3 mm, Type II=5.0 mm,and Type III=10.5 mm.

The PCMCIA standard was developed by several different computermanufacturers. The single standard provides for uniformity in PC cards.When computer manufacturers comply with the design requirements of thePCMCIA standard, computer users can purchase a wider variety of productsfor use with their computer, regardless of the computer manufacturer,due to the interchangability of the products. PC cards in compliancewith the PCMCIA standard are independent of the operating system ordevices; the peripheral cards can be plugged into a PC, Mac, Newton, orfuture generation computers.

While PC cards have advanced computer capabilities, software programscontinue to require additional power and storage. Accordingly, what isneeded is a way to expand computer capabilities while accommodatingcurrent weight restrictions. What is further needed is a way toimplement the expansion in current devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first expansion card has a connector that directly connects with aconnector on a second expansion card. The connector couples the twocards such that they are insertable into a connector bay having apredetermined thickness. The two expansion cards are connected such thatthe overall thickness is equivalent to or thinner than a Type III PCcard.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an expansiondevice has a first expansion card interconnected with a second expansioncard. The first expansion card and the second expansion card areinsertable within a single PCMCIA connector bay. The first expansioncard and the second expansion card may have the same footprint, or thesecond expansion card may be smaller than the first expansion card. Thefirst expansion card can conform with the physical requirements of thePCMCIA, and can conform with the electrical architecture set out by thePCMCIA. For any type of PCMCIA card, the physical footprint of the PCcard is 85 mm by 55 mm.

In one embodiment, the expansion cards are interconnected by pins andapertures which are formed integral within each of the expansion cards.In another embodiment, the expansion cards are interconnected by aconnection device of which the female portion occurs on the first cardand the male portion occurs on the expansion card. In yet anotherembodiment, the first expansion card can be used either in conjunctionwith the second expansion card, or the first expansion card can be usedalone in the connector bay. Alternatively, the expansion cards can beinterconnected by mating topology of the card bodies.

In addition to the interconnection device between the first expansioncard and the second expansion card discussed above, the expansion cardsare also provided with grounding members. The grounding members, in oneembodiment comprising grounding pins and respective grounding apertures,provide additional physical structure to the interconnection between thetwo expansion cards. The grounding members also can provide a way toelectrically ground the second expansion card to the first expansioncard. For increased stability, the grounding members can be placed inthe four comers of the expansion cards.

Pertaining to another aspect of the invention, the first expansion cardhas a first connector, a second expansion card has a second connector,and the two expansion cards are connected at the connector. Theexpansion card can have an additional connector for attaching anexternal device, such as an antenna. An adaptor is also mounted withinthe first expansion card for mating with media transmission lines. Theadaptor may include a standard RJ- 11 or an RJ-45 modular plug, or othersuitable devices. The first expansion card further includes an interfacefor communicating with a computer.

Another aspect of the invention includes an expanded portable computer.The computer has an expansion device where two expansion cards areinterconnected and then inserted into a single PCMCIA connector bay. Inone embodiment, the connector bay is a Type III PCMCIA connector bay.Alternatively, one single expansion card could be inserted into thePCMCIA connector bay for use as an expansion device.

The expansion device provides a convenient way to expand thecapabilities of a computer without significantly adding to the weight ofthe computer. The expansion device does not detract from the portabilityof the portable computer. Furthermore, the expansion device can be usedin current PCMCIA connector bays. Economically advantageous, theexpansion device only requires one interface, such as a 68-pin connectorand eliminates redundant circuitry of using two expansion cards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an expansion deviceconstructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a first side elevational view illustrating a first card of anexpansion device constructed in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2B is a second side elevational view illustrating a first card ofan expansion device constructed in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3A is a first side elevational view illustrating a second card ofan expansion device constructed in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3B is a second side elevational view illustrating a second card ofan expansion device constructed in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating an expansion device constructedin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the expansion device insertedinto a portable computer as constructed in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structuralchanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is notto be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present inventionis defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates an expansion device 10 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The expansion device 10 comprises aset of expansion cards 12, 14, including a first expansion card 30 and asecond expansion card 80, which each desirably have a card-like shape.The expansion device 10 is configured to be inserted into other deviceshaving compatible connector bays, which provide for support of theexpansion device. The expansion device 10 can be compatible with theparameters established by the Personal Computer Memory CardInternational Association (PCMCIA).

In one embodiment, each individual component of the expansion device 10is also configured in accordance with the parameters involving width andheight of the card body established the PCMCIA for Type II PC Cards. Inthis manner, the expansion device 10 has a standardized size and shapeso as to be compatible with standardized PCMCIA connector bays. Theexpansion device 10 thus can be used with a wide variety of personalcomputers, including, but not limited to, desktop computers, portablecomputers, laptop computers, notebook computers, sub-notebook computers,palmtop computers and personal digital assistants, provided however,that such host systems include a suitable PCMCIA connector bay.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a first expansion card 30 includes afirst card body 32. Generally, the first card body 32 has a rectangularshape. The first card body 32 has an upper planar surface 52 and a lowerplanar surface 54, where the two surfaces 52, 54 are substantiallyparallel with one another. The first card body 32 also includes a frontend 34 and a rear end 36. As used herein, the terms “front” and “rear”are used in reference to the direction in which the card body isinserted into a computer connector bay. The front and rear ends 34, 36are generally parallel to each other and the front end 34 defines theoverall width of the expansion device 10.

In accordance with the PCMCIA standard, the first expansion card 30generally has a rectangular configuration. The first expansion card 30desirably has a length equal to about 85 mm, a width equal to about 55mm and an overall thickness equal to about 5 mm. As those skilled in theart will readily appreciate, however, an expansion device incorporatingthe present invention can be manufactured in any of a wide variety ofsizes and configurations in order to suit specific applications. Thefirst expansion card 30 is also configured to connect with a hostdevice, such as a portable computer. Near the front end 34, the firstexpansion card 30 has an interface for accommodating this connection. Inone embodiment, a 68-pin connector 56 is formed integral within thefirst expansion card 30 proximate to the front end 34, although othertypes of interface are within the scope of the invention.

The first card body 32 also includes a pair of rails 46 which generallyextend along opposite side surfaces 48 of the card body 32. The pair ofrails are disposed along the side surfaces 48 between the front and rearends 34, 36 of the first card body 32. The rails 48 are configured tomate with correspondingly shaped grooves within a PCMCIA connector bay(not shown) to facilitate proper alignment and position of the expansiondevice 10 when inserted into the connector bay, as known in the art.

Disposed on an upper planar surface 52 is a female connector 40. Thefemale connector 40 has a plurality of interconnection apertures 42therein. In one embodiment, the connector 40 and the plurality ofinterconnection apertures 42 are integral with the first expansion card30. The apertures 42 are electrically coupled with the printed circuitboard (not shown) and provide for an electrical connection therewith forconnecting circuitry of the expansion card (not shown). Although theconnector 40 is shown proximate to the front end 34 of the firstexpansion card 30, the connector 40 may be disposed in a variety ofdifferent locations on the upper planar surface 52 of the firstexpansion card 30.

The upper planar surface 52 also has grounding apertures 58 disposedtherein. The grounding apertures 58 are circular in shape and can bedisposed in each corner of the first expansion card 30. Alternatively,the grounding apertures 58 can be provided in a variety of shapes or ina variety of locations to accommodate a multitude of shapes andlocations of mating grounding devices for insertion therein. Theapertures 58 provide for additional physical structure for connectingwith another expansion card when other devices are inserted therein.Additionally, the grounding apertures 58 provide an electrical ground todevices which are electrically connected therewith.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the second expansion card 80 includes asecond card body 82. Generally, the second card body 82 has arectangular shape. The second card body 82 has an upper planar surface102 and a lower planar surface 104, where the two surfaces 102, 104 aresubstantially parallel with one another. The second card body 82 alsoincludes a front end 84 and a rear end 86. As used herein, the terms“front” and “rear” are used in reference to the direction in which thecard body is inserted into a connector bay. The front end 84 is insertedfirst into a connector bay. The front and rear ends 84, 86 are generallyparallel to each other. Although a smaller card is shown, the expansioncard can also conform with the physical requirements of the PCMCIA,where the width of the expansion card is approximately 55 mm and thelength of the card is 85 mm. However, in one embodiment, the secondexpansion card 80 has a smaller footprint than the parameters set by thePCMCIA standard. For instance, the second expansion card 80 could have awidth of less than 55 mm. The foot print of the second expansion card 80could even be as small as 3 mm×3 mm. Alternatively, the second expansioncard 80 could have peripheral devices (not shown) attached thereto whichextend out of the connector bay while the expansion device 10 isinserted within the connector bay.

The second expansion card 80 can also be configured to connect with ahost device, such as a portable computer. In one embodiment, the secondexpansion card 80 has a PCMCIA connector (not shown) near the front end84 for accommodating this connection. In another embodiment, a 68-pinconnector is formed integral within the second expansion card 80proximate to the front end 84, although other types of interface arewithin the scope of the invention. Additional connectors can be providedon the second expansion card 80, such as for receiving an antennatherein. A connector 89 for the antenna can be formed on the rear end 86of the second expansion card 80.

Disposed on the lower planar surface 104 is a male connector 90. Themale connector 90 has a plurality of interconnection pins 92 therein. Inone embodiment, the connector 90 and the plurality of interconnectionpins 92 are integral with the second expansion card 80. The connector 90of the second expansion card 80 can also be shrouded. Shrouding theconnector 90 provides protection to the interconnection pins 92 fromphysical damage. The pins 92 provide electrical connection therewith forconnecting circuitry of the expansion card (not shown) as known in theart. In one embodiment, the connector 90 provides a way to electricallyground the second expansion card 80. Although the male connector 90 isshown proximate to the front end 84 of the second expansion card 80, themale connector 90 may be disposed in a variety of different locations onthe lower planar surface 104 of the second expansion card 80 as long asthe male connector 90 corresponds positionally with the female connector40 of the first expansion card 30.

Extending from the lower planar surface 104 are grounding pins 108. Thegrounding pins 108 are circular in shape and are disposed in each cornerof the second expansion card 80. Alternatively, the grounding pins 108could have other shapes, such as rectangular or triangular, and yetremain within the scope of the invention. The grounding pins 108 providefor additional physical structure for connecting with another expansioncard when inserted into the grounding apertures 58, as shown in FIG. 4.Specifically, the grounding pins 108 are spaced and dimensioned to bereceived by the grounding apertures 58 of the first expansion card 30.The grounding pins 108 connect the second expansion card 80 to theelectrical ground supplied by the first expansion card 30 when thegrounding pins 108 are electrically connected with the groundingapertures 58. Advantageously, the grounding pins 108 and the groundingapertures 58 ground the expansion device 10 against EMI. To providegrounding against EMI, the grounding pins 108 and the groundingapertures 58 would be grounded to the first and second card bodies 32,82, and the card bodies would have a metal shell. Alternatively, thegrounding pins 108 and the grounding apertures 58 provide only physicalstructure for the expansion device 10. Furthermore, other structures canbe used to provide the physical connection between the first expansioncard 30 and the second expansion card 80. For instance, the firstexpansion card 30 can have a topology which physically mates withtopology on a surface of the second expansion card 80.

The grounding apertures 58 and pins 108 are shown in the four comers ofthe first expansion card 30 and the second expansion card 80. Althoughfour grounding pins and four grounding apertures are shown, any numberof pins and apertures may be used. Furthermore, corner placement of thepins and apertures is considered only one embodiment, and these pins andrespective apertures may be placed in a variety of locations on theexpansion cards and yet remain within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of the expansiondevice 10, which shows how the expansion cards fit together. The device10 is comprised of the first expansion card 30 and the second expansioncard 80. The device 10 is assembled by facing the lower planar surface104 of the second expansion card 80 toward the upper planar surface 52of the first expansion card 30, and pointing the front end 34 of thefirst expansion card 30 in the same direction as the front end 84 of thesecond expansion card 80. The grounding pins 108 are aligned with thegrounding apertures 58, and the male connector 90 is then inserted intothe female connector 40. Simultaneously, the grounding pins 108 areinserted into the grounding apertures 58. When assembled, the expansiondevice 10 has a thickness of approximately 10.5 mm or less, whichconforms with the PCMCIA standard for Type III PC cards. The expansiondevice 10 can then be inserted into a Type III connector bay.

In another embodiment, the expansion device 10 has an adaptor 60 forreceiving a terminal connector or plug at the end of a transmissionmedia line. The adaptor is disposed proximate the rear end 36 of thefirst expansion card 30. It is contemplated that the adaptor 60 can beconfigured to receive a specific plug type of any of a variety of plugtypes used at a terminal end of a transmission media line. Thus, forinstance, with respect to modem or fax/modem applications, the adaptor60 may be configured to receive a standard RJ-11, 4 or 6 position,miniature modular plug which is commonly used with conventional 4 or 6strand telephone transmission lines. For Local Area Network (LAN)applications, the adaptor may be configured to receive a standard RJ-45,8 pin modular plug commonly used with twisted-pair cable.

In the illustrated embodiment, the adaptor 60 is configured to engage anRJ-11 modular plug where the expansion device is designed for modem orfax/modem applications. It is contemplated, however, that those skilledin the art will readily appreciate that the present invention could beadapted for use with other types of connectors, such as, for example, anRJ45 modular connector, a BNC connector or a modular card edgeconnector, as well. Also shown is an antenna 62. The expansion device 10is configured to attach with the antenna 62 at the connector 89 for theantenna. The connector 89 receives the antenna 62 therein.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment where the expansion device 10 isinstalled in a portable computer 120. The first expansion card 30 canhave the same size footprint as the second expansion card 80, as shown.The portable computer 120 has a connector bay 124 therein. The connectorbay 124 is disposed in a side surface 122 of the portable computer 120and is configured in accordance with PCMCIA standards. Within theconnector bay is an interface (not shown) for mating with the interface38 of the expansion device 10. The connector bay 124 is sized to receivethe expansion device 10 therein. In one embodiment the connector bay 124is configured and dimensioned in accordance with a PCMCIA Type IIIconnector bay. In another embodiment, the expansion apparatus 10communicates with the host platform of the computer 120 via a serial,parallel, SCSI, or like port, when plugged into the connector bay. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the expansion device 10 plugs into astandard 68-pin connector (not shown) within the connector bay 124 whichis coupled to a bus structure of the host computer system 124, as knownin the art.

The expansion device 10 increases the memory and/or functionalcapabilities of electronic devices without adding significant weight.The expansion device advantageously conforms with industry standards,allowing for use in other computer systems. The device also permitsincreased flexibility to computer users. The computer user can increasememory or incorporate a modem, or incorporate other devices inaccordance with individual needs.

The expansion device allows for increased functionality of an individualexpansion card, such as a PC card. A modem can also incorporate otherdevices, for instance, an answering machine, and still fit withinconnector bays conforming with the PCMCIA industry standard. Theexpansion device permits many permutations of devices for use within thePCMCIA standard connector bay. For example, the second expansion cardcould incorporate a modem, while the first expansion card accommodateswireless features for use with the modem. Alternatively, the firstexpansion card could be used for logic circuitry, while the secondexpansion card contains memory for use with the expansion card.

The expansion device provides a convenient way to expand thecapabilities of a computer, yet can be used in current PCMCIA connectorbays. Moreover, the expansion device does not detract from theportability of the portable computer. Economically advantageous, theexpansion device only requires one interface, such as a 68-pin connectorand eliminates redundant circuitry of using two PC cards, therebyrendering a cost effective expansion device. The expansion deviceprovides further flexibility and can easily be enhanced in accordancewith a particular computer user's needs.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will beapparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the abovedescription. For instance, the expansion cards of the expansion deviceis designed not to be limited to computers, but also can be used in anydigital electronic device, such as CAD workstations or cameras. Thescope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with referenceto the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents towhich such claims are entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. An expanded portable computer system comprising:a portable computer; a computer body encompassing the portable computer,the computer body having at least one PCMCIA connector bay; an expansioncard interface disposed within said at least one PCMCIA connector bay;an expansion device comprising: a first expansion card being defined byan upper and lower conductive planar surface and a front end, the upperconductive planar surface of the first expansion card having a firstconnector mounted thereon, the first expansion card having apredetermined width and length; a second expansion card being defined byan upper and lower conductive planar surface and a rear end, the lowerconductive planar surface of the second expansion card having at leastone second connector mounted thereon, the second expansion card having apredetermined width and length, the at least one second connector formating with the first connector, a plurality of grounding pins disposedon the lower conductive planar surface of the second expansion card, theplurality of grounding pins for matingly engaging with groundingapertures, the second expansion card being interconnected with the firstexpansion card; and said first expansion card having an interfacemounted on the front end for communicating with the portable computer;and said expansion device being inserted into the at least one PCMCIAconnector bay, whereby the expansion card interface is electricallyconnected with the interface of the first expansion card.
 2. Theexpanded portable computer system as recited in claim 1, wherein the atleast one PCMCIA connector bay is a PCMCIA Type III connector bay. 3.The expanded portable computer system as recited in claim 1, wherein theinterface is a 68-pin connector.
 4. The expanded portable computersystem as recited in claim 1, wherein each expansion card is an SRAMcard.
 5. The expanded portable computer system as recited in claim 1,wherein each expansion card is a PC card.
 6. An expanded computer systemcomprising: a computer having a body with at least one connector bay forallowing the plugging in of expansion cards; an expansion card interfacedisposed within the at least one connector bay; an expansion card havingconnectors for connecting to the expansion card interface, and furtherhaving a first conductive surface with plurality of grounding pins formatably engaging with grounding apertures in a second expansion card,and a plurality of interconnection pins disposed on the first conductivesurface for providing electrical connection with the second expansioncard.
 7. The computer system of claim 6 wherein the connector bay is aPCMCIA Type III connector bay.
 8. The computer system of claim 7 whereinthe expansion card interface is a 68-pin connector.
 9. The computersystem of claim 7 wherein the expansion card is an SRAM card.
 10. Thecomputer system of claim 7 and further comprising a second expansioncard coupled to the plurality of grounding pins and the plurality ofinterconnection pins, the expansion card and the second expansion cardcoupled to the expansion card interface within the at least oneconnector bay.
 11. An expanded computer system comprising: a computerhaving a body with at least one connector bay for allowing the pluggingin of expansion cards of a predetermined size; an expansion cardinterface disposed within the at least one connector bay; an expansioncard having connectors for connecting to the expansion card interface,and further having a first conductive surface with a plurality ofgrounding apertures for matably engaging with corresponding groundingpins in a second expansion card, and a plurality of interconnectioncontacts disposed on the first conductive surface for providingelectrical connection with the second expansion card.
 12. The computersystem of claim 11 and further comprising a second expansion card havinga plurality of grounding pins coupled to the grounding apertures and aplurality of interconnection contacts coupled to the interconnectioncontacts of the expansion card, the expansion card and the secondexpansion card being coupled to the expansion card interface within theat least one connector bay.
 13. An expanded computer system comprising:a computer having a body with at least one connector bay for allowingthe plugging in of expansion cards of a predetermined size; an expansioncard interface disposed within the at least one connector bay; anexpansion card having connectors for connecting to the expansion cardinterface, and further having a first conductive with a plurality ofgrounding members for matably engaging with corresponding groundingmembers in a further expansion card, and a plurality of interconnectioncontacts disposed on the first conductive surface for providingelectrical connection with said further expansion card.
 14. The computersystem of claim 13 wherein the at least one connector bay is a PCMCIAType III connector bay.
 15. The computer system of claim 13 wherein theexpansion card interface is a 68-pin connector.
 16. The computer systemof claim 13 wherein the expansion card is an SRAM card.